Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
FolliculitisOften clears by itself, sometimes stubborn.
Folliculitis is an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, the small pockets in the skin that hairs grow from. You see small red bumps that turn into white or yellow spots, each with a hair at its centre. Folliculitis is usually harmless and often clears by itself, but it can itch, hurt and keep coming back.
What is folliculitis?
In folliculitis, hair follicles are inflamed near the surface of the skin. Small red bumps appear, which later become white or yellow spots. Look closely and you'll see a hair coming out of each spot. The spots often sit in clusters, sometimes with a red rim around them. The skin often itches and can be painful, but you don't feel ill. Folliculitis occurs anywhere hair grows, especially in the beard area, on the scalp, on the arms and legs, on the buttocks and in the groin.
Folliculitis is different from a boil. With a boil the infection sits deeper and you see one or a few larger, painful lumps with a head of pus.
How does folliculitis develop?
The inflammation is usually caused by a bacterium, often Staphylococcus aureus. Sometimes a fungus or yeast is the cause, for instance on the scalp. The infection often starts where the skin is damaged or irritated: by shaving, waxing or epilating, by friction from tight clothing, or by heat and sweating. Greasy ointments and oils can also block hair follicles and trigger folliculitis. With a weakened immune system folliculitis develops more easily, and sometimes contaminated water is the source, for instance from a hot tub or swimming pool.
What can you do yourself?
Give the skin a rest. Temporarily stop shaving, waxing or epilating the inflamed area, or shave with a clean, sharp blade in the direction of hair growth. Wear loose cotton clothing and avoid greasy ointments and oils on the inflamed spot. A warm compress eases the symptoms. Wash the skin with a mild soap and dry it well, especially after sport or sweating.
Please note
Don't scratch and don't squeeze. Scratched-open spots form crusts and the bacteria can then spread further.
When to see a dermatologist or doctor?
Folliculitis usually heals by itself within one to two weeks. Have your skin assessed if the symptoms haven't cleared after two weeks and they bother you, if a large red area develops around the inflamed follicles, if the spots keep coming back, or if a bump grows larger, deeper and more painful. Treatment depends on the cause: a bacterial form may need an antibacterial cream or a course of antibiotics, a yeast form an antifungal treatment. A dermatologist can often tell the form at a glance and will tell you exactly where you stand.
Frequently asked questions about folliculitis
What is the difference between folliculitis and a boil?
Folliculitis is a surface-level inflammation of hair follicles: many small spots with a hair at the centre. A boil sits deeper: a larger, painful lump with a head of pus. Folliculitis can turn into a boil if the infection moves deeper.
How long does folliculitis last?
The spots usually heal by themselves within one to two weeks, especially once you remove the cause, such as shaving or tight clothing. If the symptoms haven't cleared after two weeks and they bother you, have your skin assessed.
Can you shave when you have folliculitis?
Preferably not on the inflamed area. Shaving damages the skin and keeps the inflammation going. If you must, use a clean, sharp blade and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Is folliculitis contagious?
Folliculitis is not contagious from person to person. The bacteria can spread on your own skin though, for instance through scratching or via a razor. So use your own razor and towel.
When should you see a doctor about folliculitis?
If the symptoms haven't cleared after two weeks and they bother you, if a large red area develops around the inflamed follicles, if the spots keep coming back, or if a bump grows into a deep, painful lump with a head of pus.
Sources and more information
- Ik heb een ontsteking van de haarzakjes (thuisarts.nl)
- Ontsteking van de haarzakjes (folliculitis) en huidabces (gezondheidenwetenschap.be)